Knox Gelatin for Arthritis

Knox Gelatine for Arthritis

All that wiggles may not be Jell-O, but
it may be medicine for your joints. Gelatin has been found
by many to be helpful in decreasing the symptoms of
arthritis, increasing mobility and decreasing pain and
stiffness.

Plain gelatin is moPlain gelatin is most commonly
sold in small envelopes as Knox Gelatine, but Knox also sells this product
in larger containers as Nutra Joint. This form is intended
to be used in hot or cold beverages daily in a 10 gram dose.
The plain gelatin can also be mixed in hot beverages quite
easily. One packet is the usual dose.

Knox Gelatin for Arthritis

So why would for Arthritis have anything
to do with the joints? As it turns out, gelatin is very similar in
structure as the collagen type 2 that makes up the connective
tissues of the body including cartilage. Cartilage is like Teflon, a
slippery surface to allow joints to easily slide against each other.
In arthritis, the cartilage becomes roughened and less slippery
which causes restricted movement.

The theory with using gelatin for arthritis is
that this precursor to cartilage helps the body to repair damage and
also keeps damage from occurring in the first place. It’s like
supplying building materials to a construction site to make new
material, in this case new, smoother cartilage. Gelatin is made from
the connective tissues of cows and other meat animals so it is not
surprising that it could be a useful nutrient.

One objection to gelatin is that it does come
from animal sources and may be unacceptable to those who are either
vegetarians or who avoid certain animals for religious reasons.
There is some evidence that fruit pectin may also be helpful in
arthritis and this is acceptable to those who would object to the
animal byproduct. It is commonly sold to make jams and jellies, with
Certo being the most common brand. Knox Gelatine is made from animal
sources.

Gelatin is what is called a hydrosylate, which
means that it is protein that has been broken down into simpler
molecules that should be easier for the body to assimilate. A person
could simply eat a gelatin dessert every day of they like them, but
would need to consume about half a box. Fortunately, sugar free
versions are available, but using powdered form is more practical
and preferable to many people.

Many individuals do report significant results
from Knox Gelatine use for arthritis and even the Arthritis
Foundation website mentions effectiveness when combined with
calcitonin and mentions German clinical studies that found positive
results. However, the AF website also mentions a trial that saw no
difference in using gelatin and in using a placebo.

Gelatin is a safe product on the whole and few
negative side effects are reported. Some few people report stomach
upset but this is fairly rare. The main caution is to avoid gelatin
or other collagen that comes from an animal a person is allergic to
and to use an alternate form.